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Affordability checks will undermine the safer gambling success story, argues Gambling Business Group CEO, Peter Hannibal

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Peter Hannibal, chief executive of the cross-sector Gambling Business Group, has warned that the introduction of affordability checks as proposed by the UK Gambling Commission, will jeopardise the current low incidence of problem gambling and in the process undo much of the positive work that’s been achieved by the industry in partnership with its regulator and the wider stakeholder community, including the safer gambling agencies and charities.

Commenting on the Gambling Commission’s proposal that players should be required to provide evidence of affordability based on the highly controversial creation of a monthly discretionary spend ceiling – a figure which the cross-party think-tank the Social Market Foundation has recommended is set at £23 a week (£100 pcm) – Peter Hannibal said: “I would like to stress from the outset that although the Gambling Commission’s affordability proposal has been framed in relation to online players, it would be naïve in the extreme to assume that the principles and philosophy will not be extended to all gambling entertainment activities across all verticals including Adult Gaming Centres, Licensed Betting Offices and Bingo Clubs in some shape or form.

“While this proposal is wrong on virtually every level imaginable, the biggest concern for all those who genuinely care about safer gambling and continuing the UK industry’s internationally acclaimed success story in consistently maintaining problem gambling levels to below 1 percent for the last three decades, is the impact affordability checks will have on driving players away from regulated and responsible sites to unregulated offshore sites.

He added: “Currently the demand to play on unregulated sites is limited but the unintended and I assume unforeseen consequences of affordability checks will be to create such a market and then to sustain it.

“Make no mistake, this is prohibition by another name and wherever you look in the world prohibition has never worked and will never work, more than often creating exactly the set of problems that it sets out to address.”

Hannibal believes there’s a danger a proposal of this significance does not receive the necessary degree of scrutiny particularly in relation to its’ impact on safer gambling. He explained: “In December I contacted DCMS regarding what I feel was a balanced and logical set of Terms of Reference for the Review of Gambling, but pointing out that it was illogical for the Gambling Commission to be continuing their own unilateral consultation into what it refers somewhat euphemistically as ‘customer interaction requirements and guidance’.

“I argued that it would be more logical to include any proposals for controls on consumption – that could have a profound impact on the public – as part of the Government Review. It would also be in the public’s interest for proposals for such intrusions into personal affairs to be subject to the same Aim and Objectives as those DCMS have set out for the Review of the Act which appear free of preconceptions and well considered.

“The affordability proposal raises a huge range of quite fundamental ethical, legal and practical issues – not least a precedent for state intervention in consumer spending alongside a quite startling presumption that gambling entertainment, enjoyed responsibly by 99 percent of consumers, represents a public health issue way beyond that of tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption or obesity. As such it merits much deeper, evidence-based scrutiny.”

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Thunderkick’s portfolio makes Ontario debut through SkillOnNet brands

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Global entertainment brand SkillOnNet is deepening its existing partnership with Stockholm-based game studio Thunderkick to launch the developer’s unique, engaging slot titles in Ontario.

The Canadian province is one of the most exciting regulated markets in North America, and the Ontario players will now gain access to Thunderkick’s full portfolio of highly acclaimed games via SkillOnNet-powered online casino brands such as PlayOJO, SlotsMagic, and SpinGenie.

Thunderkick is known for its independent, boundary-pushing slot games like Pink Elephants, Esqueleto Explosivo, and Beat the Beast and has established a strong reputation for creativity and originality in the iGaming space. The deal allows the studio to further expand its global footprint while giving Ontario players the chance to enjoy a fresh wave of premium content.

Ontario’s regulated online gaming market, which officially opened in 2022, has quickly become a key market for the iGaming industry, and SkillOnNet was among the first brands to secure licensing in the province. The expansion reinforces SkillOnNet’s commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment in regulated markets globally.

Jani Kontturi at SkillOnNet said: “Thunderkick has been a key partner of ours in other markets, and we’re delighted to bring their outstanding content to Ontario. This region is fast becoming a vital part of our operations, and we’re confident players here will respond just as positively to Thunderkick’s games as they have elsewhere.”

Mariam Dodosh, Account Manager at Thunderkick said: “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with SkillOnNet and enter the Ontario market together. Our games have a track record of strong performance, and we’re excited to see them go live in one of the most dynamic new regions in iGaming.”

The post Thunderkick’s portfolio makes Ontario debut through SkillOnNet brands appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Southampton Football Club welcomes Midnite as its newest partner

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Southampton Football Club is pleased to announce that Midnite, the fast-growing UK sports betting and online casino operator, will become the club’s official training kit partner for the 2025/26 season.

The partnership will see Southampton FC become the first football club to partner with Midnite as part of their rapid brand growth.

The deal continues Midnite’s momentum of high-profile marketing activities, including sponsorship of the 2025 World Snooker Championship and 5’s coverage of the FIFA World Club Cup.

Founded in 2018 by Nick Wright and Daniel Qu, Midnite has been hailed as a new disruptor to the betting industry, challenging the status-quo of the UK’s online gambling market by delivering the best value for customers.

The Midnite branding will sit across training kits for both the Men’s and Women’s First Teams. Its logo will also feature on the back of the Men’s First Team shirt and shorts. Midnite’s branding will also appear around St Mary’s Stadium, including in the dugouts.

Connecting Saints fans like never before

The partnership will see Midnite and Southampton collaborate throughout the season to connect Saints supporters to their club like never before. A host of supporter and community activities will be launched to engage and involve the fanbase in the build-up to the season and throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Southampton and Midnite will also collaborate to support Saints Foundation during the course of the season to support its fundraising ambitions and experiences for participants. Saints Foundation is the club’s charity, which works to provide life-changing opportunities to help people and communities in the city thrive.

Greg Baker, Chief Revenue Officer for Southampton Football Club, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Midnite as our latest club partner. Midnite is disrupting its sector and developing a dynamic challenger brand.

“As a club we pride ourselves on our ability to challenge the status quo and we see a clear alignment with Midnite’s innovative approach. We look forward to working with them throughout the 2025/26 season.”

Midnite Vice President of Growth Jonathan Shaw said: “We’re excited to partner with Southampton for our first-ever football club sponsorship. At Midnite, our mission is to bring our players closer to the games they love, and this high-profile partnership marks the latest step in our brand awareness journey as we continue to grow, with plenty more to come.

“As a fully licensed UK operator, we’re committed to ensuring our players enjoy a safe, responsible, and entertaining experience. We can’t wait to engage with Southampton fans and contribute to what promises to be an exciting and successful season ahead.”

The post Southampton Football Club welcomes Midnite as its newest partner appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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SOFTSWISS and Eduardo Barrichello Take the Next Step in 2025 FIA WEC with 24 Hours of Le Mans Debut

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SOFTSWISS celebrates a major milestone in its collaboration with rising Brazilian driver Eduardo (Dudu) Barrichello. The talented motorsport star has successfully completed his debut at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, a pivotal round in the ongoing 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Held from 15 to 16 June at the historic Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, the 24-hour endurance race is one of the most prestigious events in global motorsport. First run in 1923, it forms part of the coveted Triple Crown of Motorsport, alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500. The race challenges every aspect of a driver’s performance, combining speed, consistency, and strategic depth – values that closely reflect the approach SOFTSWISS brings to its own operations in the highly competitive iGaming industry.

At just 23 years old, Eduardo Barrichello added this legendary event to his growing international racing résumé, competing with the Racing Spirit of Léman team in an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo. His performance at Le Mans represents not only a personal career achievement but also a proud moment for Brazilian motorsport and a significant chapter in his WEC journey.

“Le Mans isn’t just another race – it’s the kind of challenge you grow up dreaming about. Representing Brazil on this stage is a huge honour, and stepping onto that track for the first time is a defining moment in my career. Endurance racing pushes you beyond your limits – physically, mentally, and technically. Having SOFTSWISS as a partner for the entire WEC series this year means a lot,” Eduardo comments.

The collaboration between SOFTSWISS and Eduardo Barrichello builds upon the company’s long-term commitment to performance, innovation, and operational excellence. It extends a relationship with the Barrichello family, which began in 2024 when Rubens Barrichello, Formula 1 legend and Eduardo’s father, was appointed Non-Executive Director in Latin America at SOFTSWISS.

“In motorsport, milliseconds can define outcomes; in iGaming, it’s responsiveness, stability, and foresight that define leadership. At SOFTSWISS, we embrace this mindset – continuously optimising our solutions, anticipating market shifts, and pushing the boundaries of technology. Like a Le Mans team, we race through every 24 hours with unwavering resilience – only our race never ends. Our systems are built to deliver flawless performance, every day, hour after hour, without pause,” highlights Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS.

As part of its presence at Le Mans, SOFTSWISS also welcomed a group of partners and guests to experience the race firsthand. The programme included VIP lounge access, helicopter flights over the circuit, access to exclusive camera-only track zones, paddock entry, and hot laps in a real race car. Guests also enjoyed conversations with Rubens and Eduardo Barrichello, creating a unique opportunity to connect motorsport, technology, and partnership in an unforgettable setting.

Earlier this year, SOFTSWISS announced its broad partnership with the rising motorsport talent for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

The post SOFTSWISS and Eduardo Barrichello Take the Next Step in 2025 FIA WEC with 24 Hours of Le Mans Debut appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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